Game#19/82: C’s (14-4) @ Spurs (9-6)
Posted by Zach Lowe on Dec 3, 2009
Offensive Efficiency:
Boston: 109.6 points/100 possessions (11th)
San Antonio: 110.5 points/100 possessions (6th)
Defensive Efficiency:
Boston: 99.7 points allowed/100 possessions (3rd)
San Antonio: 105.4 points allowed/100 possessions (11th)
Thumbnail: The C’s hit the road for game three of a four-game road trip and face a Spurs team that has won five straight—albeit against so-so competition. Also: Two of the four or five best power forwards ever face each other. Good times.
We’re occasionally going to deviate from our usual preview format for some “big” regular season games, and this one—the C’s 2nd road game against one of the other Big Five title contenders (six if you count Denver)—certainly qualifies. Timothy Varner of the indispensable Spurs blog 48 Minutes of Hell agreed to answer a few of our questions about the most fun “boring” team in the NBA.
So read up on the new-look/old-time Spurs and enjoy the game.
CelticsHub: The Spurs have a ton of new faces this season, and coach Gregg Popovich has simplified the playbook on offense. Do the Spurs look different? When Boston fans watch them tonight, what will they see that will make them think, “Wow, I don’t remember the Spurs doing that”?
48MinutesofHell: No, not at all. The Spurs are still the same as ever, only with more offensive weapons this time around. The one wrinkle that is new to the team, but not earth-shaking by any stretch, are the different ways Gregg Popovich is able to use Richard Jefferson. For example, Pop will sometimes post Jefferson, which was an impossibility with Bruce Bowen.
CH: Tony Parker’s numbers are down across the board. What’s wrong?
48MOH: Everyone is watching Tony Parker. From what I can tell, there is nothing wrong. Or so I hope. It just a matter of the team integrating the new offensive weapons and not depending so much on Parker’s scoring. You’ll start to see his numbers rise as the season progresses.
CH: The Spurs signed Antonio McDyess instead of Rasheed Wallace with their mid-level exception. Are you happy with Dice? Or would you rather have Sheed?
48MOH: I’m inclined toward McDyess, but it’s a difficult call. Both players amount to great signings. So far as Sheed is concerned, the Spurs would have benefited from his passion more than anything else. Dice is playing extrememly well and fits like a glove in the lockerroom. No complaints.
As an aside, it was reported far and wide that the Spurs signed McDyess for the mid-level exception, but I have my doubts. The Spurs are very tight-lipped about salaries, but by my count the Spurs paid McDyess less than the full mid-level and the last year of his contract is only a partial. In other words, he’ll play two seasons for the Spurs and be dealt as a quasi-expiring (think Bruce Bowen and friends for Richard Jefferson). Mark from Shamsports is one of the few people that seems to have got McDyess’ salary right.
CH: The Spurs ranked last in the NBA in offensive rebounding and getting to the line last season. This year, they are in the middle of the pack in offensive rebounding (#17) and toward the top (#9) in free throw attempts per field goal attempt. What’s going on? And will these stat trends last?
48MOH: The Spurs rank bottom to middle in offensive rebounding annually. Popovich values transition defense more than offensive boards. In terms of priorities, defensive rebounding and preventing transition baskets are right at the top of his list. Offensive boards, not so much. Their FTA will continue to rise because they have so many players who can attach the basket, at least relative to past rosters. Parker and Ginobili are mainstays, but Richard Jefferson and George Hill get to the hoop too. DeJuan Blair’s constant energy earns him a fair amount of trips to the line, as well. Even Keith Bogans likes to put the ball on the floor.
CH: You can have one player for the next 10 seasons and you have to release the other one today. Who do you keep: George Hill or DeJuan Blair?
48MOH: George Hill. He could develop into a starting point guard. DeJuan Blair is terrific, but his knees are a question mark and I have concerns about his ability to defend for long stretches. Blair will have a nice career, and could be a per minute beast, as he already is, but I see him in the role of an efficient, high-energy rotation big, not someone a team will ride for 35 or 40 minutes on a nightly basis.
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